10 Fun Things To Do Near Princeton, West Virginia (Mercer County)
Princeton, West Virginia may look like a quiet small town at first glance, but once you start exploring Mercer County, you realize there’s a lot packed into these hills. From mountain views and rail trails to artsy downtown spots and old coal history, this corner of southern West Virginia is perfect for a long weekend road trip.
If you’re planning a visit (or you’re local and just looking for fresh ideas), here are
10 fun things to do in and around Princeton, WV.
1. Stroll Through Downtown Princeton & The Grassroots District
Downtown Princeton has gone through a bit of a glow-up over the last few years. The heart of it is the
Grassroots District, a creative area filled with colorful murals, small shops, galleries, and music venues.
Walk along Mercer Street and you’ll see:
- Bright street art and Instagram-worthy mural walls
- Local coffee shops and cafés
- Art studios and small galleries
- Occasional street festivals and live music events
It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, wander a bit, and end up talking with a local artist about how Princeton has changed over the years. If you enjoy small-town charm with a creative twist, this area is worth a slow walk.
2. Play All Day at Glenwood Recreational Park
Just a short drive from downtown,
Glenwood Recreational Park is one of the best places near Princeton for simple, classic outdoor fun.
You’ll find:
- Walking paths and open green space
- Playgrounds for kids
- Fishing ponds
- Picnic shelters and grills
Pack a picnic, toss a football around, or just bring a good book and relax by the water. On a sunny day, this park feels like the town’s backyard. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s an easy, low-cost way to spend a few hours.
3. Step Back in Time at the Princeton Railroad Museum
If you’re curious about how Princeton grew up around the railroad, the
Princeton Railroad Museum is a must-see. It’s small, friendly, and full of local history.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Vintage railroad photos and artifacts
- Model trains and layouts
- Stories about the Virginian Railway and coal country
You don’t have to be a train buff to enjoy it. The volunteers are usually happy to share stories, and kids love the model trains. It’s a nice, easy stop right in town, especially if you’re exploring downtown Princeton anyway.
4. Explore the Great Outdoors at Pipestem Resort State Park
About 30–40 minutes from Princeton,
Pipestem Resort State Park is one of southern West Virginia’s outdoor gems. If you’re willing to take a scenic drive, this park can easily fill a full day.
Depending on the season, you can:
- Hike miles of trails with beautiful overlooks
- Ride horses at the stables
- Play a round of golf
- Rent kayaks or paddleboats
- Soar on ziplines (seasonal)
The views down into the Bluestone Gorge are the kind that make you stop and say “wow” out loud. If you’re road-tripping through West Virginia and want that classic mountain scenery near Princeton, Pipestem is where you’ll find it.
5. Visit Nearby Bluefield & East River Mountain Overlook
Princeton and
Bluefield are like sister cities in Mercer County, only about 15–20 minutes apart. Bluefield has its own charm, and one of the best nearby views is from the
East River Mountain Overlook.
Here you can:
- Drive up a winding mountain road to a scenic overlook
- Take photos of the valley and town spread out below
- Enjoy a quiet, breezy spot away from the noise
On a clear day, you can see for miles. If you love scenic drives, this one is worth the time. Combine it with a meal in Bluefield for a half-day adventure from Princeton.
6. Discover Local Art at the Chuck Mathena Center
Back in Princeton, the
Chuck Mathena Center is one of the area’s main spots for performing arts and community events. If you like live entertainment, check their calendar before your visit.
They host:
- Plays and musicals
- Concerts and dance performances
- Children’s shows and family programs
- Art exhibits and special events
Even if you’re just passing through, catching a local show can be a fun way to see a different side of Mercer County. Plus, it’s a nice option if the weather isn’t great for outdoor activities.
7. Bike or Walk the Coal Heritage Rail Trail
If you like easy, scenic walks or bike rides, look into the
rail trails running through this part of West Virginia. These are old railroad lines turned into flat, accessible paths.
Near Princeton and in Mercer County, you can find:
- Sections of trail suitable for walking, jogging, or biking
- Quiet stretches through woods and countryside
- Signs and reminders of the area’s coal and rail history
The nice thing about rail trails is that they’re usually gentle and not too steep, so they work for families and casual riders. Bring water, comfortable shoes, and maybe a camera for those “hidden” mountain views.
8. Dig Into Appalachian History at the Bramwell Historic District
About 30–40 minutes from Princeton sits the tiny town of
Bramwell, once known as the “Home of the Millionaires” because of all the wealthy coal barons who lived there in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today, you can:
- Walk the Bramwell Historic District and admire the old mansions
- Learn how coal shaped life in southern West Virginia
- Visit local shops and grab a bite to eat
It feels a little like stepping into another time. If you enjoy charming small towns with a backstory, this is an easy and interesting side trip from Princeton.
9. Get Your Adrenaline Fix with the Hatfield–McCoy Trails
Mercer County connects to portions of the famous
Hatfield–McCoy Trails, one of the top off-road trail systems in the USA. If you’re into ATVs, side-by-sides, or dirt bikes, this alone might be your reason to visit the Princeton area.
Here’s what to expect:
- Miles of rugged mountain trails
- Different levels for beginners and experienced riders
- Scenic overlooks and remote woodland stretches
You can rent machines and book guided rides through local outfitters in the region. Just be sure to check trail permits, safety rules, and weather before heading out. After a day on the trails, Princeton makes a comfortable place to grab dinner and rest.
10. Taste Local Flavor at Princeton’s Diners, BBQ Joints & Cafés
Food is a big part of any trip, and Princeton has that classic small-town West Virginia flavor. Think hearty, simple meals that hit the spot after a long day outside.
Around town and in Mercer County, look for:
- Family-owned diners serving big breakfasts
- Local BBQ spots with pulled pork, ribs, and smoked wings
- Cafés and coffee shops in the Grassroots District
- Regional favorites like pepperoni rolls and homemade pies
One of the best parts of traveling in West Virginia is chatting with folks over a meal. Ask your server where they like to hike or what events are coming up in town—you’ll often get great tips you won’t find on any website.
Planning Your Trip to Princeton, WV
Princeton, West Virginia makes a great base if you want to:
- Explore scenic state parks like Pipestem
- Learn about coal and railroad history
- Enjoy small-town arts, food, and local culture
- Ride rail trails or off-road routes like Hatfield–McCoy
Because it’s close to I-77, it also works well as an overnight stop on a longer road trip through the Appalachian region. You can see a lot in just a weekend, but there’s enough variety here to keep you busy longer if you like to mix outdoor adventures with low-key downtown exploring.
What Would You Do First Near Princeton?
Have you been to
Princeton, West Virginia or anywhere else in Mercer County?
- Which of these 10 things to do sounds best to you?
- Did I miss a favorite local spot—maybe a hiking trail, restaurant, or hidden overlook?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let other travelers know what to check out. If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a road trip through West Virginia or looking for new small towns to explore.
The more we swap stories about places like Princeton, the easier it is for others to discover the beauty tucked away in these Appalachian hills.
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